Olympic torch begins U.S. journey

Posted: Thursday, June 17, 2004

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES - With the theme to his signature movie, "Rocky," blaring in the background, Sylvester Stallone took the Olympic torch from Mayor James Hahn on Wednesday and carried it on what was to be a winding journey through Los Angeles.

"This is the proudest moment of my life," a beaming Stallone said as he stood on the sand of Venice Beach, the blue Pacific Ocean in the background. "I just hope I can live up to what this flame represents, which is honor, dignity and a never-say-die spirit."

With that, he trotted off on a brief lap to the ocean, then headed toward Santa Monica, pumping both arms in the air as more than 1,000 people cheered him on.

The torch was flown in overnight from Mexico as it makes its way toward the Olympic Summer Games in Athens.